Don't let medical issues spoil your trip to Iceland. Stay healthy in Iceland by learning about required vaccinations for travelers, medical treatment in Iceland, and emergency contacts there.
1. Required Vaccinations for Iceland Travelers
Iceland does not have an official vaccination requirement. It's even one of the healthies countries today. However, the Center for Disease Control still encourages
all international travelers to be current on their routine vaccinations and Hepatitis A/B shots. In Iceland, flu shots also come in handy year-round due to the
weather in Iceland. For vaccinations, visit your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel to Iceland.
2. Medical Emergencies in Iceland
In all parts of Iceland, call 112 to reach Icelandic emergency assistance. In the
Reykjavik area, 1770 calls a doctor to your location. Travelers can find high quality Iceland health care in Reykjavik. Rural areas have a lower level of medical care, therefore urgent cases are often taken directly to Reykjavik.
Iceland allows travelers to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a 100-day supply) without a customs declaration. A dated doctor's note may be requested by Icelandic customs officials, though, so it can be helpful to bring one. For severe illnesses, wear a medical bracelet.
To cover medical costs in Iceland, we can recommend two very reputable companies: AIG Travel Guard and
STA.com. Both companies offer free, low-priced quotes with international medical coverage, emergency assistance, last-minute or emergency travel and flight changes, short- and long-term medical insurance plans, and even lost luggage coverage.
5. The Swine Flu in Iceland
Passengers arriving in Iceland from Mexico and the U.S. are being monitored and will be examined at the slightest signs of influenza. At the moment, there is no viable health risk regarding the Swine Flu in Iceland.6. About the H5N1 Virus (Avian Flu) in Iceland
In Iceland, there have been no outbreaks of the virus and there are no health restrictions regarding contact with poultry. The avian flu virus does not pose any kind of health threat in Iceland.7. Insect Bites in Iceland
Common insect bites in
Iceland are tick bites, which can infect you with encephalitis. If you walk through an area with many trees, wear boots, long sleeves and tuck your pants into your footwear. All Iceland travelers should use insect repellents containing at least 25% DEET (available in stores anywhere). A tick bite should be treated quickly by a local doctor or medical center in Iceland. Apart from insects, common injuries in Iceland are burns from geyser sprays.
8. Water & Food Safety in Iceland
Both tap water and natural water is very clean and safe to drink in Iceland. However, it's always recommended to wash fresh fruit as a traveler, before consuming any.
